Strategy

As a leading supermarket retailer, we face a wide range of issues and challenges. Many of these are complex, inter-related, and increasingly global in nature. Some of them we can directly control, others we can influence, but some, unfortunately, are beyond our reach. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions to balance conflicting priorities.

However, we believe that by considering the wider social, environmental and economic impacts of our business we will achieve long-term shareholder value, by being better able to meet all parties' expectations of our business. Our five values have guided our company for over 140 years, and provide the practical framework for doing so. They guide us in everything we do - from major business decisions to day-to-day activities.

In 2011 we outlined 20 commitments to be achieved by 2020 - our 20x20 Sustainability plan. They provide a clear focus and formalise our activities under each of our five values.